Display device

ABSTRACT

According to one embodiment, a display device includes a first substrate having a first transparent substrate and a pixel electrode, a second substrate having a second transparent substrate, a first common electrode, a second common electrode, and an insulating film disposed between the first common electrode and the second common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer. The first common electrode is disposed between the liquid crystal layer and the insulating film, and includes a first opening and a first electrode portion. The second common electrode is disposed between the insulating film and the second transparent substrate, and includes a second electrode portion overlapping the first opening.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a Continuation Application of PCT Application No.PCT/JP2020/006510, filed Feb. 19, 2020 and based upon and claiming thebenefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-041735,filed Mar. 7, 2019, the entire contents of all of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a display device.

BACKGROUND

In recent years, various illumination devices including a lightmodulation element exhibiting scattering property or transparency tolight have been proposed. In one example, the light modulation elementincludes a polymer dispersed liquid crystal layer as the lightmodulation layer. The light modulation element is disposed behind alight guide and scatters light incident from a side surface of the lightguide.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a configuration example of a displaydevice DSP of the present embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first configurationexample of a display panel PNL illustrated in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an example of a pixel PX illustratedin FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4A is a plan view illustrating an example of a first commonelectrode CE1 illustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 4B is a plan view illustrating an example of a second commonelectrode CE2 illustrated in FIG. 2 .

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the first commonelectrode CE1 and the second common electrode CE2 illustrated in FIGS.4A and 4B overlap.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the displaydevice DSP of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of pixels PX1to PX3.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric fielddistribution and an alignment state of liquid crystal molecules in thepixel PX3.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric fielddistribution and an alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules inthe pixel PX1.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a luminance distribution andan alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the pixel PX3illustrated in FIG. 8 .

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a luminance distribution andan alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the pixel PX1illustrated in FIG. 9 .

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric fielddistribution and an alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules inthe pixel PX2.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second configurationexample.

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third configurationexample.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth configurationexample.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a power supply structurefor applying a voltage to the first common electrode CE1 and the secondcommon electrode CE2.

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fifth configurationexample.

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a power supply structurefor applying a voltage to the common electrode CE illustrated in FIG. 17.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In general, according to one embodiment, there is provided a displaydevice including: a first substrate including a first transparentsubstrate, a switching element, and a pixel electrode electricallyconnected to the switching element; a second substrate including asecond transparent substrate, a first common electrode, a second commonelectrode having the same electric potential as the first commonelectrode, and an insulating film disposed between the first commonelectrode and the second common electrode; and a liquid crystal layerthat is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate,and contains polymers and liquid crystal molecules, wherein the firstcommon electrode is disposed between the liquid crystal layer and theinsulating film, and includes a first opening and a first electrodeportion, and the second common electrode is disposed between theinsulating film and the second transparent substrate, and includes asecond electrode portion overlapping the first opening.

According to the present embodiment, there is provided a display deviceincluding: a first substrate including a first transparent substrate, aswitching element, a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrodeelectrically connected to the switching element, and an insulating filmdisposed between the first pixel electrode and the second pixelelectrode; a second substrate including a second transparent substrate,and a common electrode, and a liquid crystal layer that is disposedbetween the first substrate and the second substrate, and containspolymers and liquid crystal molecules, wherein the first pixel electrodeis disposed between the insulating film and the liquid crystal layer,and includes a first opening and a first electrode portion, and thesecond pixel electrode is disposed between the first transparentsubstrate and the insulating film, and includes a second electrodeportion overlapping the first opening.

According to the present embodiment, there is provided a display deviceincluding: a first substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layerthat is disposed between the first substrate and the second substrate,and contains polymers and liquid crystal molecules, and a light emittingelement facing a side surface of the second substrate, wherein the firstsubstrate or the second substrate includes a transparent substrate, afirst transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode having thesame electric potential as the first transparent electrode, and aninsulating film disposed between the first transparent electrode and thesecond transparent electrode, each of the first transparent electrodeand the second transparent electrode includes a plurality of openings,the openings of the first transparent electrode and the openings of thesecond transparent electrode do not overlap each other, and the firsttransparent electrode includes a first opening and a third opening, andthe first opening is disposed between the light emitting element and thethird opening, and has a width larger than the third opening.

FIG. 1 is a plan view illustrating a configuration example of a displaydevice DSP of the present embodiment. In one example, a first directionX, a second direction Y, and a third direction Z are orthogonal to eachother, but may intersect at an angle other than 90 degrees. The firstdirection X and the second direction Y correspond to a directionparallel to a main surface of a substrate constituting the displaydevice DSP, and the third direction Z corresponds to a thicknessdirection of the display device DSP. It is assumed that there is anobservation position where the display device DSP is observed on adistal end side of an arrow indicating the third direction Z, and a viewfrom this observation position toward an X-Y plane defined by the firstdirection X and the second direction Y is referred to as a plan view.

In the present embodiment, a liquid crystal display device to which apolymer dispersed liquid crystal is applied will be described as anexample of the display device DSP. The display device DSP includes adisplay panel PNL, a wiring board 1, an IC chip 2, and light emittingelements LD.

The display panel PNL includes a first substrate SUB1, a secondsubstrate SUB2, a liquid crystal layer LC, and a sealant SE. The firstsubstrate SUB1 and the second substrate SUB2 are formed in a flat plateshape parallel to the X-Y plane. The first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2 overlap each other in plan view. The first substrate SUB1and the second substrate SUB2 are bonded by the sealant SE. The liquidcrystal layer LC is held between the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2, and is sealed by the sealant SE. In FIG. 1 , the liquidcrystal layer LC and the sealant SE are indicated by different obliquelines.

As schematically illustrated in an enlarged manner in FIG. 1 , theliquid crystal layer LC includes a polymer-dispersed liquid crystalcontaining polymers 31 and liquid crystal molecules 32. In one example,the polymers 31 are liquid-crystal polymers. The polymers 31 are formedin a streak shape extending along the first direction X. The liquidcrystal molecules 32 are dispersed in gaps between the polymers 31, andare aligned such that long axes are along the first direction X. Each ofthe polymers 31 and the liquid crystal molecules 32 has opticalanisotropy or refractive index anisotropy. The responsiveness of thepolymers 31 to an electric field is lower than the responsiveness of theliquid crystal molecules 32 to the electric field.

In one example, an alignment direction of the polymers 31 hardly changesregardless of the presence or absence of the electric field. On theother hand, an alignment direction of the liquid crystal molecules 32changes according to the electric field in a state in which a highvoltage equal to or higher than a threshold value is applied to theliquid crystal layer LC. In the state in which the voltage is notapplied to the liquid crystal layer LC, optical axes of the polymers 31and the liquid crystal molecules 32 are parallel to each other, andlight incident on the liquid crystal layer LC is transmitted withoutbeing almost scattered in the liquid crystal layer LC (transparentstate). In the state in which the voltage is applied to the liquidcrystal layer LC, the optical axes of the polymers 31 and the liquidcrystal molecules 32 intersect each other, and the light incident on theliquid crystal layer LC is scattered in the liquid crystal layer LC(scattering state).

The display panel PNL includes a display area DA in which an image isdisplayed, and a frame-shaped non-display area NDA that surrounds thedisplay area DA. The sealant SE is disposed in the non-display area NDA.The display area DA includes pixels PX arranged in a matrix in the firstdirection X and the second direction Y.

As illustrated in an enlarged manner in FIG. 1 , each pixel PX includesa switching element SW, a pixel electrode PE, a common electrode CE, aliquid crystal layer LC, and the like. The switching element SWincludes, for example, a thin film transistor (TFT), and is electricallyconnected to scanning lines G and signal lines S.

The scanning line G is electrically connected to the switching elementSW in each of the pixels PX arranged in the first direction X. Thesignal line S is electrically connected to the switching element SW ineach of the pixels PX arranged in the second direction Y. The pixelelectrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SW. Thecommon electrode CE is provided in common for the plurality of pixelelectrodes PE. Each of the pixel electrodes PE faces the commonelectrode CE in the third direction Z. The liquid crystal layer LC (inparticular, liquid crystal molecules 32) is driven by an electric fieldgenerated between the pixel electrode PE and the common electrode CE. Acapacitance CS is formed, for example, between an electrode having thesame electric potential as the common electrode CE and an electrodehaving the same electric potential as the pixel electrode PE.

As will be described later, the scanning line G, the signal line S, theswitching element SW, and the pixel electrode PE are provided on thefirst substrate SUB1, and the common electrode CE is provided on thesecond substrate SUB2. In the first substrate SUB1, the scanning line Gand the signal line S are electrically connected to the wiring board 1or the IC chip 2.

The wiring board 1 is electrically connected to an extension portion Exof the first substrate SUB1. The wiring board 1 is a bendable flexibleprinted circuit board. The IC chip 2 is electrically connected to thewiring board 1. The IC chip 2 incorporates, for example, a displaydriver that outputs a signal necessary for image display. The IC chip 2may be electrically connected to the extension portion Ex.

The light emitting elements LD overlap the extension portion Ex in planview. The plurality of light emitting elements LD is arranged atintervals along the first direction X.

First Configuration Example

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a first configurationexample of the display panel PNL illustrated in FIG. 1 . The liquidcrystal layer LC is provided between the first substrate SUB1 and thesecond substrate SUB2.

The first substrate SUB1 includes a first transparent substrate 10,insulating films 11 and 12, a capacitance electrode 13, switchingelements SW, a pixel electrode PE, and an alignment film AL1. The firsttransparent substrate 10 includes a main surface (lower surface) 10A anda main surface (upper surface) 10B opposite to the main surface 10A. Theswitching elements SW are arranged on the main surface 10B side. Theinsulating film 11 covers the switching elements SW. The scanning linesG and the signal lines S illustrated in FIG. 1 are arranged between thefirst transparent substrate 10 and the insulating film 11, but are notillustrated here. The capacitance electrode 13 is disposed between theinsulating films 11 and 12. The pixel electrode PE is disposed for eachpixel PX between the insulating film 12 and the alignment film AL1. Thepixel electrode PE is electrically connected to the switching element SWvia an opening OP of the capacitance electrode 13. The pixel electrodePE overlaps the capacitance electrode 13 with the insulating film 12interposed therebetween to form the capacitance CS of the pixel PX. Thealignment film AL1 covers the pixel electrode PE. The alignment film AL1is in contact with the liquid crystal layer LC.

The second substrate SUB2 includes a second transparent substrate 20, afirst common electrode CE1, a second common electrode CE2, an insulatingfilm 21, and an alignment film AL2. The second transparent substrate 20includes a main surface (lower surface) 20A and a main surface (uppersurface) 20B opposite to the main surface 20A. The main surface 20A ofthe second transparent substrate 20 faces the main surface 10B of thefirst transparent substrate 10. The second substrate SUB2 may include alight shielding layer immediately above the scanning lines G, the signallines S, and the switching elements SW.

The insulating film 21 is provided between the first common electrodeCE1 and the second common electrode CE2. In one example, the insulatingfilm 21 is a transparent organic insulating film, but may be aninorganic insulating film. The first common electrode CE1 and the secondcommon electrode CE2 are arranged over the plurality of pixels PX, andface the plurality of pixel electrodes PE in the third direction Z.

The first common electrode CE1 is provided between the liquid crystallayer LC and the insulating film 21. The first common electrode CE1includes first openings AP1 and first electrode portions EL1 that definethe first openings AP1. In other words, a region of the first commonelectrode CE1 that is not the first opening AP1 is referred to as thefirst electrode portion EL1. The alignment film AL2 covers the firstcommon electrode CE1. The alignment film AL2 is in contact with theinsulating film 21 in the first openings AP1. The alignment film AL2 isin contact with the liquid crystal layer LC.

The second common electrode CE2 has the same electric potential as thefirst common electrode CE1, and the first and second common electrodesare electrically connected to each other in the non-display area NDA aswill be described later. The first common electrode CE1 and the secondcommon electrode CE2 are electrically connected to the capacitanceelectrode 13, and have the same electric potential as the capacitanceelectrode 13. The second common electrode CE2 is provided between theinsulating film 21 and the second transparent substrate 20. The secondcommon electrode CE2 includes second electrode portions EL2 overlappingthe first openings AP1. In the example illustrated in FIG. 2 , thesecond common electrode CE2 includes second openings AP2 defined by thesecond electrode portions EL2. A region of the second common electrodeCE2 that is not the second opening AP2 is referred to as the secondelectrode portion EL2. The insulating film 21 is in contact with thesecond transparent substrate 20 at the second openings AP2. The firstelectrode portion EL1 overlaps the second opening AP2.

In the third direction Z, the pixel electrode PE faces the firstelectrode portion EL1, and in the first opening AP1, faces the secondelectrode portion EL2.

The first transparent substrate 10 and the second transparent substrate20 are insulating substrates such as a glass substrate and a plasticsubstrate. The insulating film 11 is made of a transparent insulatingmaterial such as a silicon oxide, a silicon nitride, a siliconoxynitride, or an acrylic resin. In one example, the insulating film 11includes an inorganic insulating film and an organic insulating film.The insulating film 12 is an inorganic insulating film such as a siliconnitride. The capacitance electrode 13, the pixel electrode PE, the firstcommon electrode CE1, and the second common electrode CE2 aretransparent electrodes made of a transparent conductive material such asan indium tin oxide (ITO) or an indium zinc oxide (IZO). An alignmenttreatment is performed on the alignment films AL1 and AL2 along, forexample, the first direction X. The alignment treatment may be a rubbingtreatment or a photo-alignment treatment.

FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating an example of the pixel PXillustrated in FIG. 2 . The scanning lines G extend in the firstdirection X, and the signal lines S extend in the second direction Y.The switching element SW is provided at an intersection of the scanningline G and the signal line S. The switching element SW includes asemiconductor layer SC. The semiconductor layer SC overlaps a gateelectrode SWG integrated with the scanning line G. A source electrodeSWS integrated with the signal line S and a drain electrode SWD areelectrically connected to the semiconductor layer SC. The pixelelectrode PE is provided between the adjacent scanning lines G andbetween the adjacent signal lines S. The pixel electrode PE overlaps thedrain electrode SWD and is electrically connected to the switchingelement SW.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are plan views illustrating examples of the first commonelectrode CE1 and the second common electrode CE2 illustrated in FIG. 2. Here, four pixel electrodes PE arranged two by two in each of thefirst direction X and the second direction Y are indicated by dottedlines.

As illustrated in FIG. 4A, the first common electrode CE1 includes threefirst openings AP1 overlapping one pixel electrode PE. Each of theplurality of first openings AP1 extends in the first direction X and isarranged in the second direction Y. The plurality of first openings AP1may be arranged in the first direction X and extend in the seconddirection Y. A shape of the first opening AP1 is not limited to arectangle of the example illustrated in FIG. 4A, and may be other shapessuch as a square, a circle, and an ellipse. The first common electrodeCE1 may include the plurality of first openings AP1 arranged in thefirst direction X and the second direction Y in a region overlapping onepixel electrode PE. The first electrode portion EL1 defines the firstopening AP1, and overlaps each pixel electrode PE. A part of the firstelectrode portions EL1 overlaps over the pixel electrodes PE adjacent inthe first direction X and the second direction Y.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, the second common electrode CE2 includes foursecond openings AP2 overlapping one pixel electrode PE. A part of thesecond openings AP2 overlaps over the pixel electrodes PE adjacent inthe second direction Y. The second opening AP2 is formed in a regionoverlapping the first electrode portion EL1. Each of the plurality ofsecond openings AP2 extends in the first direction X and is arranged inthe second direction Y. Similarly to the first opening AP1, a layout anda shape of the second opening AP2 are not limited to the illustratedexample. The second electrode portion EL2 defines the second opening AP2and overlaps each pixel electrode PE. The second electrode portion EL2is formed in a region overlapping at least the first opening AP1. Inother words, a shape of the second electrode portion EL2 may beappropriately deformed in accordance with the shape of the first openingAP1.

FIG. 5 is a plan view illustrating a state in which the first commonelectrode CE1 and the second common electrode CE2 illustrated in FIGS.4A and 4B overlap.

The first common electrode CE1 is indicated by a dot pattern, and thesecond common electrode CE2 is indicated by oblique lines. Each of thepixel electrodes PE overlaps the first electrode portion EL1, andoverlaps the second electrode portion EL2 in the first opening AP1. Inplan view, it is desirable that there is no gap between the firstelectrode portion EL1 and the second electrode portion EL2.

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the displaydevice DSP of the present embodiment. Only main parts are illustrated inthe display panel PNL, and the first common electrode CE1 and the secondcommon electrode CE2 are illustrated in a simplified manner.

The second transparent substrate 20 includes a side surface 20C facingthe light emitting element LD in the second direction Y. The lightemitting element LD is electrically connected to a wiring board F. Thelight emitting element LD is, for example, a light emitting diode, andincludes a red light emitting portion, a green light emitting portion,and a blue light emitting portion although not described in detail.

Next, light L1 emitted from the light emitting element LD will bedescribed with reference to FIG. 6 .

The light emitting element LD emits the light L1 toward the side surface20C. The light L1 emitted from the light emitting element LD travelsalong a direction of an arrow indicating the second direction Y, and isincident on the second transparent substrate 20 from the side surface20C. The light L1 incident on the second transparent substrate 20travels inside the display panel PNL while being repeatedly reflected.The light L1 incident on the liquid crystal layer LC to which thevoltage is not applied is transmitted through the liquid crystal layerLC without being almost scattered. The light L1 incident on the liquidcrystal layer LC to which the voltage is applied is scattered by theliquid crystal layer LC. The display device DSP can be observed from themain surface 10A side and can also be observed from the main surface 20Bside. The display device DSP can observe a background of the displaydevice DSP via the display device DSP even when the background isobserved from the main surface 10A side or the main surface 20B side.

In the display panel PNL illustrated in FIG. 6 , respectiveconfigurations of a pixel PX3 close to the light emitting element LD, apixel PX1 farther away from the light emitting element LD than the pixelPX3, and a pixel PX2 farther away from the light emitting element LDthan the pixel PX1 will be described. For example, the pixel PX1 may bedisposed substantially at a center of the display panel PNL.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of the pixelsPX1 to PX3. Here, only main parts of the pixels PX1 to PX3 areillustrated.

In the pixel PX1, the first common electrode CE1 includes the firstopening AP1 and the first electrode portion EL1. The first opening AP1has a width W11 along the second direction Y. The first electrodeportion EL1 has a width W12 along the second direction Y. The secondcommon electrode CE2 includes the second opening AP2 overlapping thefirst electrode portion EL1 and the second electrode portion EL2overlapping the first opening AP1. A width of the second opening AP2 isequal to the width W12, and a width of the second electrode portion EL2is equal to the width W11. The pixel electrode PE1 overlaps the firstelectrode portion EL1 and the second electrode portion EL2. The firstopening AP1 and the second opening AP2 do not overlap each other in thethird direction Z, and the first electrode portion EL1 and the secondelectrode portion EL2 do not overlap each other. A part of the firstopening AP1 and a part of the second opening AP2 may overlap each other,or a part of the first electrode portion EL1 and a part of the secondelectrode portion EL2 may overlap each other.

In the pixel PX2, the first common electrode CE1 includes a thirdopening AP3 and a third electrode portion EL3 that defines the thirdopening AP3. In other words, a region of the first common electrode CE1of the pixel PX2 that is not the third opening AP3 is defined as thethird electrode portion EL3. The third electrode portion EL3 is formedintegrally with the first electrode portion EL1, and has the sameelectric potential as the first electrode portion EL1. The third openingAP3 has a width W21 different from the width W11 along the seconddirection Y. The third electrode portion EL3 has a width W22 differentfrom the width W12 along the second direction Y.

The second common electrode CE2 includes a fourth opening AP4 and afourth electrode portion EL4 that defines the fourth opening AP4. Inother words, a region of the second common electrode CE2 of the pixelPX2 that is not the fourth opening AP4 is referred to as the fourthelectrode portion EL4. The fourth electrode portion EL4 is formedintegrally with the second electrode portion EL2 and has the sameelectric potential as the second electrode portion EL2. The fourthopening AP4 overlaps the third electrode portion EL3, and the fourthelectrode portion EL4 overlaps the third opening AP3. A width of thefourth opening AP4 is equal to the width W22, and a width of the fourthelectrode portion EL4 is equal to the width W21. The pixel electrode PE2overlaps the third electrode portion EL3 and the fourth electrodeportion EL4.

In the first common electrode CE1, the first opening AP1 is providedbetween the light emitting element LD and the third opening AP3 alongthe second direction Y. The width W21 of the third opening AP3 issmaller than the width W11 of the first opening AP1. The first electrodeportion EL1 is provided between the light emitting element LD and thethird electrode portion EL3 along the second direction Y. The width W22of the third electrode portion EL3 is smaller than the width W12 of thefirst electrode portion EL1.

The number of third openings AP3 overlapping the pixel electrode PE2 islarger than the number of first openings AP1 overlapping the pixelelectrode PE1. The number of edges of the third electrode portion EL3that defines the third opening AP3 is larger than the number of edges ofthe first electrode portion EL1 that defines the first opening AP1. Thatis, the first common electrode CE1 is more subdivided in the pixel PX2than in the pixel PX1.

In the pixel PX3, the first common electrode CE1 includes a fifthelectrode portion EL5. The fifth electrode portion EL5 is formedintegrally with the first electrode portion EL1, and has the sameelectric potential as the first electrode portion EL1. The first commonelectrode CE1 may include a fifth opening, but is not illustrated here.The second common electrode CE2 includes a sixth opening AP6 overlappingthe fifth electrode portion EL5. It is desirable that the second commonelectrode CE2 includes a sixth electrode portion overlapping the fifthopening when the first common electrode CE1 includes the fifth opening.The pixel electrode PE3 overlaps the fifth electrode portion EL5. Whenthe second common electrode CE2 includes the sixth electrode portion,the pixel electrode PE3 overlaps the sixth electrode.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric fielddistribution and an alignment state of liquid crystal molecules in thepixel PX3. When a voltage is applied to the pixel PX3, an electric fieldis formed between the pixel electrode PE3 and the fifth electrodeportion EL5 of first common electrode CE1. At this time, each ofequi-electric potential surfaces is substantially parallel to the X-Yplane. That is, a line of electric force substantially parallel to thethird direction Z is formed between the pixel electrode PE3 and thefifth electrode portion EL5. The liquid crystal molecules LM havepositive dielectric anisotropy, and are aligned such that long axes arealong the line of electric force. That is, in the liquid crystal layerLC between the pixel electrode PE3 and the fifth electrode portion EL5,substantially all the liquid crystal molecules LM are aligned along thethird direction Z.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric fielddistribution and an alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules inthe pixel PX1. When a voltage is applied to the pixel PX1, electricfields are formed between the pixel electrode PE1 and the firstelectrode portion EL1 of the first common electrode CE1, and between thepixel electrode PE1 and the second electrode portion EL2 of the secondcommon electrode CE2. At this time, equi-electric potential surfacesbetween the pixel electrode PE1 and the first electrode portion EL1 aresubstantially parallel to the X-Y plane. An interval betweenequi-electric potential surfaces between the pixel electrode PE1 and thesecond electrode portion EL2 extends in the third direction Z, and apart of the equi-electric potential surfaces is formed beyond the firstopening AP1 toward the second electrode portion EL2. Equi-electricpotential surfaces are inclined with respect to the X-Y plane in thevicinity of boundaries between the first electrode portion EL1 and thesecond electrode portion EL2 (or an edge E1 of the first electrodeportion EL1).

The liquid crystal molecules LM between the pixel electrode PE1 and thefirst electrode portion EL1 are aligned along the third direction Z. Inthe vicinity of the boundaries between the first electrode portion EL1and the second electrode portion EL2, the liquid crystal molecules LMare obliquely aligned with respect to the third direction Z under theinfluence of the inclined equi-electric potential surfaces.

FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram illustrating a luminance distribution andan alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the pixel PX3illustrated in FIG. 8 . A luminance distribution B3 in the drawingcorresponds to a distribution of scattering intensity of lightpropagated from the light emitting element to the pixel PX3 when avoltage is applied to the pixel PX3. Luminance BA between the pixelelectrode PE3 and the fifth electrode portion EL5 is substantiallyconstant regardless of a location.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating a luminance distribution andan alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules in the pixel PX1illustrated in FIG. 9 . A luminance distribution Bl in the drawingcorresponds to a distribution of scattering intensity of lightpropagated from the light emitting element to the pixel PX1 when avoltage is applied to the pixel PX1. Luminance BB higher than theluminance BA of the pixel PX3 is obtained in the vicinity of theboundaries between the first electrode portion EL1 and the secondelectrode portion EL2. For example, the luminance BB is 1.3 to 1.5 timesthe luminance BA. Such an increase in the luminance is caused by theliquid crystal molecules LM obliquely aligned with respect to the thirddirection Z in the vicinity of the boundaries between the firstelectrode portion EL1 and the second electrode portion EL2.

In a region in which the liquid crystal molecules LM are aligned alongthe third direction Z between the pixel electrode PE1 and the firstelectrode portion EL1 and between the pixel electrode PE1 and the secondelectrode portion EL2, the luminance BA equal to that of the pixel PX3is obtained.

Accordingly, when light of the same luminance propagates to the pixelPX1 and the pixel PX3, the luminance of the scattered light in the pixelPX1 is larger than the luminance of the scattered light in the pixelPX3.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating an electric fielddistribution and an alignment state of the liquid crystal molecules inthe pixel PX2. When a voltage is applied to the pixel PX2, electricfields are formed between the pixel electrode PE2 and the thirdelectrode portion EL3 of the first common electrode CE1, and between thepixel electrode PE2 and the fourth electrode portion EL4 of the secondcommon electrode CE2. In the vicinity of boundaries between the thirdelectrode portion EL3 and the fourth electrode portion EL4,equi-electric potential surfaces are inclined with respect to the X-Yplane. In the vicinity of the boundaries between the third electrodeportion EL3 and the fourth electrode portion EL4, the liquid crystalmolecules LM are obliquely aligned with respect to the third direction Zunder the influence of the inclined equi-electric potential surfaces.The liquid crystal molecules LM are aligned along the third direction Zbetween the pixel electrode PE2 and the third electrode portion EL3 andbetween the pixel electrode PE2 and the fourth electrode portion EL4.

As described with reference to FIG. 7 , the number of third openings AP3in the pixel PX2 is larger than the number of first openings AP1 in thepixel PX1. That is, the number of boundaries between the third electrodeportion EL3 and the fourth electrode portion EL4 is larger than thenumber of boundaries between the first electrode portion EL1 and thesecond electrode portion EL2. Thus, a region in which the luminanceincreases in the pixel PX2 is larger than a region in which theluminance increases in the pixel PX1. Accordingly, when light of thesame luminance propagates to the pixel PX1 and the pixel PX2, theluminance of the scattered light in the pixel PX2 is larger than theluminance of the scattered light in the pixel PX1.

The display device DSP of the present embodiment is a system in whichthe light L1 from the light emitting element LD is incident from theside surface 20C of the second substrate SUB2 and propagates through thedisplay panel PNL. Focusing on the luminance distribution in such adisplay device DSP, the luminance tends to decrease as a distance fromthe light emitting element LD increases.

The luminance of the light propagated to the pixel PX1 is referred to asfirst luminance, and the luminance of the light propagated to the pixelPX3 closer to the light emitting element LD than the pixel PX1 isreferred to as third luminance. The first luminance is lower than thethird luminance. On the other hand, the luminance of the scattered lightin the pixel PX1 is larger than the luminance of the scattered light inthe pixel PX3. Thus, in the pixel PX1 and the pixel PX3, the amount oflight contributing to display can be equalized.

The luminance of the light propagated to the pixel PX2 farther away fromthe light emitting element LD than the pixel PX1 is referred to assecond luminance. The second luminance is lower than the firstluminance. On the other hand, the luminance of the scattered light inthe pixel PX2 is larger than the luminance of the scattered light in thepixel PX1. Thus, in the pixel PX1 and the pixel PX2, the amount of lightcontributing to display can be equalized. Accordingly, it is possible tosuppress a decrease in display quality due to the decrease in theluminance.

According to the present embodiment, the second common electrode CE2includes the second opening AP2 overlapping the first electrode portionEL1. Thus, even though the second common electrode CE2 is a transparentelectrode having light absorbency, an electrode area can be reduced ascompared with the case where the second opening AP2 is not provided, andlight absorption can be suppressed.

Second Configuration Example

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a second configurationexample. A second substrate SUB2 of the second configuration exampleillustrated in FIG. 13 is different from the second substrate SUB2 ofthe first configuration example illustrated in FIG. 2 in that atransparent layer TL is provided. In FIG. 13 , the second substrate SUB2and the liquid crystal layer LC are illustrated, and the first substrateis not illustrated.

The transparent layer TL is provided between the second electrodeportion EL2 and the second transparent substrate 20. The transparentlayer TL is in contact with the second transparent substrate 20 and thesecond electrode portion EL2. Although not illustrated, the sametransparent layer TL is also provided between another electrode portionof the second common electrode CE2 and the second transparent substrate20. Another member may be interposed between the second electrodeportion EL2 and the transparent layer TL. The insulating film 21 coversthe second electrode portion EL2 and the transparent layer TL.

The transparent layer TL is, for example, an insulating layer made of atransparent organic material such as a siloxane-based resin or afluorine-based resin. Regarding a refractive index, a refractive indexnTL of the transparent layer TL is lower than a refractive index n20 ofthe second transparent substrate 20. A refractive index n10 of the firsttransparent substrate 10 is equal to the refractive index n20. Forexample, the refractive indexes n10 and n20 are about 1.5, and therefractive index nTL is 1.0 or more and 1.5 or less.

Of the light incident on the second transparent substrate 20, light L11directed to the second electrode portion EL2 is reflected at aninterface between the second transparent substrate 20 and thetransparent layer TL and does not reach the second electrode portionEL2. Light L12 directed toward the second opening AP2 is transmittedthrough the insulating film 21 and is incident on the liquid crystallayer LC.

According to such a second configuration example, the same effects asthose of the first configuration example are obtained. Even when thelight absorbency of the second common electrode CE2 is higher than thelight absorbency of the insulating film 21, the absorption of the lightL11 by the second common electrode CE2 can be suppressed, and a decreasein utilization efficiency of the light from the light emitting elementLD can be suppressed.

Third Configuration Example

FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a third configurationexample. A second substrate SUB2 of the third configuration exampleillustrated in FIG. 14 is different from the second substrate SUB2 ofthe second configuration example illustrated in FIG. 13 in that thetransparent layer TL is provided between the insulating film 21 and thesecond transparent substrate 20 in the second opening AP2. In FIG. 14 ,the second substrate SUB2 and the liquid crystal layer LC areillustrated, and the first substrate is not illustrated. The transparentlayer TL is in contact with the insulating film 21 and the secondtransparent substrate 20. Although not illustrated, the same transparentlayer TL is also provided in other openings of the second commonelectrode CE2. As a material of the transparent layer TL, the samematerial as that described in the second configuration example can beapplied. A refractive index of the transparent layer TL is lower than arefractive index of the second transparent substrate 20.

Of the light incident on the second transparent substrate 20, light L21directed to the second opening AP2 is reflected at an interface betweenthe second transparent substrate 20 and the transparent layer TL, anddoes not reach the insulating film 21 via the second opening AP2. LightL22 directed toward the second electrode portion EL2 is transmittedthrough the second electrode portion EL2 and is incident on the liquidcrystal layer LC.

According to such a third configuration example, the same effects asthose of the first configuration example are obtained. Even when thelight absorbency of the insulating film 21 is higher than the lightabsorbency of the second common electrode CE2, the absorption of thelight L21 by the insulating film 21 can be suppressed, and a decrease inutilization efficiency of the light from the light emitting element LDcan be suppressed.

Fourth Configuration Example

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fourth configurationexample. A display panel PNL of a fourth configuration exampleillustrated in FIG. 15 is different from the display panel PNL of thefirst configuration example illustrated in FIG. 2 in that the secondcommon electrode CE2 does not have the opening. That is, the secondcommon electrode CE2 overlaps the first opening AP1 and the firstelectrode portion EL1.

Similarly to the first configuration example, in such a fourthconfiguration example, when a voltage is applied to the pixel PX, theluminance of the scattered light increases in the vicinity of the edgeE1 of the first electrode portion EL1. Accordingly, in the fourthconfiguration example, the same effects as those of the firstconfiguration example are obtained.

[Power Supply Structure]

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a power supply structurefor applying a voltage to the first common electrode CE1 and the secondcommon electrode CE2.

The first substrate SUB1 includes a power supply line FL that supplies acommon voltage (Vcom) and a power supply pad PD electrically connectedto the power supply line FL. The power supply line FL is made of, forexample, the same material as the scanning line G or the signal line S.The power supply pad PD is made of, for example, the same material asthe pixel electrode PE. The power supply line FL and the power supplypad PD are provided in the non-display area NDA. In the exampleillustrated in FIG. 16 , the power supply line FL is provided in theextension portion Ex. The power supply pad PD is in contact with thepower supply line FL in a through-hole CH1 penetrating the insulatingfilms 11 and 12. The power supply pad PD is exposed from the alignmentfilm AL1.

In the second substrate SUB2, the first common electrode CE1 includes afirst connection portion CN1 overlapping the power supply pad PD. Thefirst connection portion CN1 is integrally formed with each electrodeportion such as the first electrode portion EL1. The second commonelectrode CE2 includes a second connection portion CN2 overlapping withthe first connection portion CN1. The second connection portion CN2 isintegrally formed with each electrode portion such as the secondelectrode portion EL2. The first connection portion CN1 is in contactwith the second connection portion CN2 in a through-hole CH2 penetratingthe insulating film 21. Accordingly, the first connection portion CN1and the second connection portion CN2 are electrically connected to eachother.

A connection member CM is in contact with each of the power supply padPD and the first connection portion CN1. Accordingly, the power supplypad PD and the first connection portion CN1 are electrically connectedto each other. Such a connection member CM is, for example, a conductiveparticle on which gold plating or the like is performed, and is includedin the sealant SE. That is, the power supply pad PD and the firstconnection portion CN1 are arranged in a region in which the sealant SEis provided, and are electrically connected to each other by theconnection member CM when the first substrate SUB1 and the secondsubstrate SUB2 are bonded.

According to such a power supply structure, when the common voltage issupplied to the power supply line FL, the common voltage can be appliedto the first common electrode CE1 via the power supply pad PD, theconnection member CM, and the first connection portion CN1, and the samecommon voltage can also be applied to the second common electrode CE2via the second connection portion CN2.

Fifth Configuration Example

FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a fifth configurationexample. A display panel PNL of the fifth configuration exampleillustrated in FIG. 17 is different from the display panel PNL of thefirst configuration example illustrated in FIG. 7 in that pixelelectrodes are formed in two layers. The common electrode CE is a singlelayer, and is provided between the alignment film AL2 and the insulatingfilm 21 in the example illustrated in FIG. 17 . However, in the fifthconfiguration example, the first common electrode CE1 and the secondcommon electrode CE2 may also be provided as illustrated in FIG. 7 .

A pixel PX1 includes a switching element SW1, and a first pixelelectrode PE11 and a second pixel electrode PE12 electrically connectedto the switching element SW1. The first pixel electrode PE11 is providedbetween the insulating film 12 and the liquid crystal layer LC, and iscovered with the alignment film AL1. The second pixel electrode PE12 isprovided between the first transparent substrate 10 and the insulatingfilm 12. The second pixel electrode PE12 is electrically connected tothe switching element SW1 in a through-hole CH11 of the insulating film11. The first pixel electrode PE11 is in contact with the second pixelelectrode PE12 in a through-hole CH12 of the insulating film 12. Thus,the first pixel electrode PE11 and the second pixel electrode PE12 havethe same electric potential.

Similarly in the pixel PX2, a third pixel electrode PE13 is providedbetween the insulating film 12 and the liquid crystal layer LC, and afourth pixel electrode PE14 is provided between the first transparentsubstrate 10 and the insulating film 12. The third pixel electrode PE13and the fourth pixel electrode PE14 are electrically connected to theswitching element SW2 and have the same electric potential.

Similarly in the pixel PX3, a fifth pixel electrode PE15 is providedbetween the insulating film 12 and the liquid crystal layer LC, and asixth pixel electrode PE16 is provided between the first transparentsubstrate 10 and the insulating film 12. The fifth pixel electrode PE15and the sixth pixel electrode PE16 are electrically connected to theswitching element SW3 and have the same electric potential.

In the pixel PX1, the first pixel electrode PE11 includes a firstopening AP11 and a first electrode portion EL11 that defines the firstopening AP11. The first opening AP11 has a width W31 along the seconddirection Y. The first electrode portion EL11 has a width W32 along thesecond direction Y. The second pixel electrode PE12 includes a secondopening AP12 and a second electrode portion EL12 that defines the secondopening AP12. The second opening AP12 overlaps the first electrodeportion EL11, and the second electrode portion EL12 overlaps the firstopening AP11. A width of the second opening AP12 is equal to a widthW32, and a width of the second electrode portion EL12 is equal to awidth W31. The common electrode CE overlaps the first electrode portionEL11 and the second electrode portion EL12.

In the pixel PX2, the third pixel electrode PE13 includes a thirdopening AP13 and a third electrode portion EL13 that defines the thirdopening AP13. The third opening AP13 has a width W41 different from thewidth W31 along the second direction Y. The third electrode portion EL13has a width W42 different from the width W32 along the second directionY.

The fourth pixel electrode PE14 includes a fourth opening AP14 and afourth electrode portion EL14 that defines the fourth opening AP14. Thefourth opening AP14 overlaps the third electrode portion EL13, and thefourth electrode portion EL14 overlaps the third opening AP13. A widthof the fourth opening AP14 is equal to the width W42, and a width of thefourth electrode portion EL14 is equal to the width W41. The commonelectrode CE overlaps the third electrode portion EL13 and the fourthelectrode portion EL14.

The first pixel electrode PE11 is provided between the light emittingelement LD and the third pixel electrode PE13 along the second directionY. The first opening AP11 is provided between the light emitting elementLD and the third opening AP13 along the second direction Y. The widthW41 of the third opening AP13 is smaller than the width W31 of the firstopening AP11. The first electrode portion EL11 is provided between thelight emitting element LD and the third electrode portion EL13 along thesecond direction Y. The width W42 of the third electrode portion EL13 issmaller than the width W32 of the first electrode portion EL11.

The number of third openings AP13 in the third pixel electrode PE13 islarger than the number of first openings AP11 in the first pixelelectrode PE11. The number of edges of the third electrode portion EL13that defines the third opening AP13 is larger than the number of edgesof the first electrode portion EL11 that defines the first opening AP11.That is, the third pixel electrode PE13 is more subdivided than thefirst pixel electrode PE11.

In such a fifth configuration example, the same effects as those of theabove-described first configuration example are also obtained.

[Power Supply Structure]

FIG. 18 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a power supply structurefor applying a voltage to the common electrode CE illustrated in FIG. 17.

The first substrate SUB1 includes the power supply line FL that suppliesthe common voltage (Vcom), a connection portion CN electricallyconnected to the power supply line FL, and the power supply pad PDelectrically connected to the connection portion CN. The power supplyline FL is made of, for example, the same material as the scanning lineG or the signal line S. The connection portion CN is made of, forexample, the same material as the second pixel electrode PE12, but iselectrically insulated from the second pixel electrode PE12. The powersupply pad PD is made of, for example, the same material as the firstpixel electrode PE11, but is electrically insulated from the first pixelelectrode PE11. The power supply line FL, the connection portion CN, andthe power supply pad PD are provided in the non-display area NDA. Theconnection portion CN is in contact with the power supply line FL, andthe power supply pad PD is in contact with the connection portion CN ina through-hole CH3 penetrating the insulating film 12. The power supplypad PD is exposed from the alignment film AL1.

The common electrode CE overlaps the power supply pad PD in thenon-display area NDA. The connection member CM included in the sealantSE is in contact with each of the power supply pad PD and the commonelectrode CE. Accordingly, the power supply pad PD and the commonelectrode CE are electrically connected to each other.

According to such a power supply structure, when the common voltage issupplied to the power supply line FL, the common voltage can be appliedto the common electrode CE via the connection portion CN, the powersupply pad PD, and the connection member CM.

In the present embodiment, in the above-described first configurationexample, the second transparent substrate 20 corresponds to atransparent substrate, the first common electrode CE1 corresponds to afirst transparent electrode, and the second common electrode CE2corresponds to a second transparent electrode. In the fifthconfiguration example, the first transparent substrate 10 corresponds toa transparent substrate, the first pixel electrode PE11 corresponds to afirst transparent electrode, and the second pixel electrode PE12corresponds to a second transparent electrode.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possibleto provide a display device capable of suppressing deterioration indisplay quality.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments havebeen presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit thescope of the inventions. Indeed, the novel embodiments described hereinmay be embodied in a variety of other forms; furthermore, variousomissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodimentsdescribed herein may be made without departing from the spirit of theinventions. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intendedto cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope andspirit of the inventions.

An example of the display device obtained from the configurationsdisclosed in the specification will be appended below.

(1) A display device including:

a first substrate including a first transparent substrate, a switchingelement, and a pixel electrode electrically connected to the switchingelement;

a second substrate including a second transparent substrate, a firstcommon electrode, a second common electrode having the same electricpotential as the first common electrode, and an insulating film disposedbetween the first common electrode and the second common electrode; and

a liquid crystal layer that is disposed between the first substrate andthe second substrate, and contains polymers and liquid crystalmolecules,

wherein the first common electrode is disposed between the liquidcrystal layer and the insulating film, and includes a first opening anda first electrode portion, and

the second common electrode is disposed between the insulating film andthe second transparent substrate, and includes a second electrodeportion overlapping the first opening.

(2) The display device according to (1), wherein the second commonelectrode includes a second opening overlapping the first electrodeportion.

(3) The display device according to any one of (1) and (2),

wherein the first common electrode includes a third opening and a thirdelectrode portion,

the second common electrode includes a fourth electrode portionoverlapping the third opening, and

a width of the third opening is different from a width of the firstopening.

(4) The display device according to (3), wherein the second commonelectrode includes a fourth opening overlapping the third electrodeportion.

(5) The display device according to any one of (3) and (4), furtherincluding a light emitting element,

wherein the second transparent substrate includes a side surface facingthe light emitting element,

the first opening is disposed between the light emitting element and thethird opening, and

the width of the third opening is smaller than the width of the firstopening.

(6) The display device according to any one of (1) to (5),

wherein the second substrate includes a transparent layer disposedbetween the second electrode portion and the second transparentsubstrate, and

the transparent layer is in contact with the second transparentsubstrate, and has a refractive index lower than the second transparentsubstrate.

(7) The display device according to (2),

wherein the second substrate includes a transparent layer disposedbetween the insulating film and the second transparent substrate in thesecond opening, and

the transparent layer is in contact with the second transparentsubstrate, and has a refractive index lower than the second transparentsubstrate.

(8) The display device according to any one of (1) to (7), furtherincluding a connection member,

wherein the first substrate includes a power supply pad,

the first common electrode includes a first connection portionoverlapping the power supply pad,

the second common electrode includes a second connection portionoverlapping the first connection portion,

the first connection portion is in contact with the second connectionportion in a through-hole of the insulating film, and

the connection member electrically connects the power supply pad and thefirst connection portion.

(9) The display device according to (8), further including a sealantthat bonds the first substrate and the second substrate,

wherein the connection member is included in the sealant.

(10) A display device including:

a first substrate including a first transparent substrate, a switchingelement, a first pixel electrode and a second pixel electrodeelectrically connected to the switching element, and an insulating filmdisposed between the first pixel electrode and the second pixelelectrode;

a second substrate including a second transparent substrate, and acommon electrode; and

a liquid crystal layer that is disposed between the first substrate andthe second substrate, and contains polymers and liquid crystalmolecules,

wherein the first pixel electrode is disposed between the insulatingfilm and the liquid crystal layer, and includes a first opening and afirst electrode portion, and

the second pixel electrode is disposed between the first transparentsubstrate and the insulating film, and includes a second electrodeportion overlapping the first opening.

(11) The display device according to (10), wherein the second pixelelectrode includes a second opening overlapping the first electrodeportion.

(12) The display device according to any one of (10) and (11),

wherein the first substrate includes a third pixel electrode disposedbetween the insulating film and the liquid crystal layer, and a fourthpixel electrode that is disposed between the first transparent substrateand the insulating film and has the same electric potential as the thirdpixel electrode,

the third pixel electrode includes a third opening and a third electrodeportion,

the fourth pixel electrode includes a fourth electrode portionoverlapping the third opening, and

a width of the third opening is different from a width of the firstopening.

(13) The display device according to (12), wherein the fourth pixelelectrode includes a fourth opening overlapping the third electrodeportion.

(14) The display device according to any one of (12) and (13), furtherincluding a light emitting element,

wherein the second transparent substrate includes a side surface facingthe light emitting element,

the first opening is disposed between the light emitting element and thethird opening, and

the width of the third opening is smaller than the width of the firstopening.

(15) The display device according to any one of (10) to (14), whereinthe second pixel electrode is in contact with the first pixel electrodein a through-hole of the insulating film.

(16) A display device including:

a first substrate;

a second substrate;

a liquid crystal layer that is disposed between the first substrate andthe second substrate, and contains polymers and liquid crystalmolecules; and

a light emitting element facing a side surface of the second substrate,

wherein the first substrate or the second substrate includes atransparent substrate, a first transparent electrode, a secondtransparent electrode having the same electric potential as the firsttransparent electrode, and an insulating film disposed between the firsttransparent electrode and the second transparent electrode,

each of the first transparent electrode and the second transparentelectrode includes a plurality of openings,

the openings of the first transparent electrode and the openings of thesecond transparent electrode do not overlap each other, and

the first transparent electrode includes a first opening and a thirdopening, and

the first opening is disposed between the light emitting element and thethird opening, and has a width larger than the third opening.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a first substrateincluding a first transparent substrate, a switching element, and apixel electrode electrically connected to the switching element; asecond substrate including a second transparent substrate, a firstcommon electrode, a second common electrode having the same electricpotential as the first common electrode, and an insulating film disposedbetween the first common electrode and the second common electrode; anda liquid crystal layer that is disposed between the first substrate andthe second substrate, and contains polymers and liquid crystalmolecules, wherein the first common electrode is disposed between theliquid crystal layer and the insulating film, and includes a firstopening and a first electrode portion, and the second common electrodeis disposed between the insulating film and the second transparentsubstrate, and includes a second electrode portion overlapping the firstopening.
 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the secondcommon electrode includes a second opening overlapping the firstelectrode portion.
 3. The display device according to claim 2, whereinthe pixel electrode overlaps the first opening and the second opening.4. The display device according to claim 2, wherein a width of the firstopening is equal to a width of the second electrode portion, and a widthof the second opening is equal to a width of the first electrodeportion.
 5. The display device according to claim 2, wherein the secondsubstrate includes a transparent layer disposed between the insulatingfilm and the second transparent substrate in the second opening, and thetransparent layer is in contact with the second transparent substrate,and has a refractive index lower than the second transparent substrate.6. The display device according to claim 1, wherein the first commonelectrode includes a third opening and a third electrode portion, thesecond common electrode includes a fourth electrode portion overlappingthe third opening, and a width of the third opening is different from awidth of the first opening.
 7. The display device according to claim 6,wherein the second common electrode includes a fourth openingoverlapping the third electrode portion.
 8. The display device accordingto claim 6, further comprising a light emitting element, wherein thesecond transparent substrate includes a side surface facing the lightemitting element, the first opening is disposed between the lightemitting element and the third opening, and the width of the thirdopening is smaller than the width of the first opening.
 9. The displaydevice according to claim 1, wherein the second substrate includes atransparent layer disposed between the second electrode portion and thesecond transparent substrate, and the transparent layer is in contactwith the second transparent substrate, and has a refractive index lowerthan the second transparent substrate.
 10. The display device accordingto claim 1, further comprising a connection member, wherein the firstsubstrate includes a power supply pad, the first common electrodeincludes a first connection portion overlapping the power supply pad,the second common electrode includes a second connection portionoverlapping the first connection portion, the first connection portionis in contact with the second connection portion in a through-hole ofthe insulating film, and the connection member electrically connects thepower supply pad and the first connection portion.
 11. The displaydevice according to claim 10, further comprising a sealant that bondsthe first substrate and the second substrate, wherein the connectionmember is included in the sealant.
 12. A display device comprising: afirst substrate; a second substrate; a liquid crystal layer that isdisposed between the first substrate and the second substrate, andcontains polymers and liquid crystal molecules; and a light emittingelement facing a side surface of the second substrate, wherein the firstsubstrate or the second substrate includes a transparent substrate, afirst transparent electrode, a second transparent electrode having thesame electric potential as the first transparent electrode, and aninsulating film disposed between the first transparent electrode and thesecond transparent electrode, each of the first transparent electrodeand the second transparent electrode includes a plurality of openings,the openings of the first transparent electrode and the openings of thesecond transparent electrode do not overlap each other, the firsttransparent electrode includes a first opening and a third opening, andthe first opening is disposed between the light emitting element and thethird opening, and has a width larger than the third opening.
 13. Thedisplay device according to claim 12, wherein the first transparentelectrode includes a first electrode portion, the second transparentelectrode includes a second electrode portion overlapping the firstopening, and a second opening overlapping the first electrode portion, awidth of the first opening is equal to a width of the second electrodeportion, and a width of the second opening is equal to a width of thefirst electrode portion.
 14. The display device according to claim 12,wherein the second transparent electrode includes a second electrodeportion overlapping the first opening and a fourth electrode portionoverlapping the third opening, and a width of the second electrodeportion is larger than a width of the fourth electrode portion.